Carter to meet privately with Elon Musk

Defense secretary Ash Carter is scheduled to meet privately with Space X CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook confirmed today.

Cook said there was no set agenda for the meeting.

"The focus is on innovation, obviously," Cook said, noting that Carter has had meetings with a number of business executives and entrepreneurs from the technology community.

"Musk is one of the most innovative minds in this country," Cook said.

When pressed by reporters on what protections could be provided that Carter would not discuss acquisition or contract matters with Musk, whose company competes against United Launch Alliance, Cook said Carter was well aware of the rules.

"The secretary knows very well the rules and regulations required and how to keep those issues separate and apart and transparent," Cook said. "He absolutely understands those rules and abides by them. The secretary knows his responsibilities here."

Cook said it was possible he might be able to provide the press with more information about the meeting after it took place.